The Next Generation of Onboard Navigation Apps: NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone Lets You Download Maps by State

NAVIGON GmbH, a leading provider of mobile phone onboard navigation, today launched the second generation of its award-winning iPhone navigation app, NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone. The new version completely redefines core elements of iPhone navigation, including a new and unique map management function and an in app purchase option for quarterly map updates, both not found in any other onboard navigation app. Also included is a very simple and intuitive user interface. Existing NAVIGON for iPhone users receive the update to the new version at no cost.

“Navigation systems have become more complex over the last years. We’ve added over 30 new features to our app since it first launched, ranging from traffic and parking information to advanced lane guidance, and our challenge with this new version was to not just add new functionalities but take the overall user experience to the next level,” said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president of worldwide mobile phones and new markets. “We completely rethought the way the app interface is structured and as a result, NAVIGON 2.0 is more intuitive and easier to use than ever before. We’re also the first ones to solve the problem of having to save large amounts of map data on the phone to be independent of a data connection. The new version allows users to pick exactly which maps they need on their iPhone, leaving more room for other apps or photos and videos, for example.”

Map Management and Update Capabilities
NAVIGON 2.0 is the first iPhone onboard navigation app that separates the app from the maps, allowing users to choose which map regions to download to their device. Users who, for example, own the USA version can pick the states they want immediately and download additional regions at a later time[1]. This ability prolongs internal phone storage, since users save only the maps they need on their device. Separating the app and maps also simplifies future updates, as users can update the app (about 40MB) without reinstalling the maps multiple times.

NAVIGON 2.0 is also the first iPhone navigation app to offer quarterly map updates. The FreshMaps service uses trusted, field-verified, and quality-controlled map and points of interest updates from NAVTEQ® to ensure the most accurate data possible. Users can keep their maps accurate and reliable by receiving quarterly updates for a one-time fee. FreshMaps also upgrades the USA or regional versions to the full North America map. NAVIGON’s new Latest Map Guarantee provides customers the latest NAVTEQ map available when purchasing NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone.

New User Interface
The new user interface is much easier to use, allowing to easily switch between different pages with animated menus and new multi-touch user gestures. It is now possible to access the start screen during navigation to enter a new address without having to first stop the current route. In addition, NAVIGON separated the app options into two menus, differentiating between settings and actions. The new Settings menu allows users to easily customize functions and change preferences, for example when to receive speed warnings, while the new Actions menu lets you use functions that are needed while navigating such as points of interest search and social network postings.

NAVIGON 2.0 for iPhone also has a fresh new look that displays the map in the background even when accessing menu pages. Furthermore, it is very easy to rotate and zoom maps in any direction when in 3D mode and tap points of interest on the map to instantly add them to a route.

Pricing and Availability
The NAVIGON 2.0 upgrade is available at no cost for all existing customers. NAVIGON’s North American apps and selected in app purchases are up to $25 off until November 30, 2011. The promotional offerings are below next to the regular prices.

Applications

NAVIGON for iPhone North America: $39.99 instead of $59.99

NAVIGON for iPhone USA: $29.99 instead of $49.99

NAVIGON for iPhone Canada: $29.99 instead of $49.99

NAVIGON for iPhone East, Central or West: $19.99 instead of $29.99

In App Purchases

NAVIGON FreshMaps:
North America: $14.99 instead of $19.99
USA (upgrades to maps of North America): $19.99 instead of $39.99
Canada (upgrades to maps of North America): $19.99 instead of $39.99
MyRegion (upgrades to maps of North America): $24.99 instead of $49.99

Safety Cameras: $4.99
Traffic Live: $19.99

ZAGAT Survey® Ratings and Reviews: $7.99

Panorama View 3D: $9.99

Accessories

NAVIGON Design Car Kit for iPhone: $49.95, available at BringMobi.com

NAVIGON for iPhone is compatible with iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, 3G iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G. The app also runs on first generation iPhone and iPod Touch, but third party accessories for GPS reception are required for these devices.